Defiant I haven't heard the 219ia so I can't offer a personal opinion between the 2 but from reading it would seem that the 219ia has a little more refinement. From my vantage point the 518ia is a quality made product, I have had zero issues with it. Specific to the 518ia - here's the link to Herb Reichert's Stereophile Review of the 518IA - you may want to read it in its entirety - https://www.stereophile.com/content/line-magnetic-audio-lm-518ia-integrated-amplifier - but here's an excerpt from his conclusion " But now, under full review-level scrutiny, I at last recognized the LM-518IA's complete array of virtues. It is musically alive and vigorous. It moves forward like a caffeinated child chasing a scared cat. It is strong. It has easily driven every speaker I have tried with it. It plays music with rare charm and sensitivity. Its beguiling light illuminates one of the most detailed soundstages I have ever heard as a reviewer. It is reliable: I have used and abused this 77-lb machine for more than a year and, more than any other amp I have reviewed, it seems indestructible. Here are links to 2 other reviews http://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/line-magnetic-518ia-integrated-amplifier/ https://witchdoctor.co.nz/index.php/2014/06/line-magnetic-lm-518ia-integrated-set-amplifier-review/ In the witchdoctor review he claims that he had some transformer hum; I can honestly state that I have not heard any in the almost 2 years that I have had the amp |
Defiant Here's an Audiogon Forum comparing the 518 and 219 https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/line-magnetic-219ia-vs-518ia?highlight=line%2Bmagnetic%2B219i... you can find other Line Magnetic commentary on this site as well |
To the OP, I remember that look but it appears they have reverted to a more traditional design. Anyway, to each his own. Have you checked out decware.com? Look there and see if they have something more to your liking. And 'no', I am not compensated by, or affiliated with, decware...just in case anyone reading this thinks otherwise. |
